Bundling device



Sept. 9, 1924.

W. H. SIKMA BUNDLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 12 1921 F .2. .5294;- E95. g s;Egy. Q Q Q 1% Q1 a .r.. a,,w g W i W Patented Sept. 9, 1924.

WIL IAM- H. srKMA, or QAKGLEN, ILLINOIS j r BUNDLING nnvron.

Application filed October 12, 1921. Serial No. 507,292.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WVILLIAM H. SIKMA, acitizen of the United States, and resident of Oakglen, in the county ofCook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Bundling Devices, of which the following is aspecification.

My present invention relates to a device for holding binders or the likeused for securing stalked vegetables into bunches or bundles.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a device of the abovetype which will hold a maximum number of binders and yet from which thesaid binders may be readily and quickly removed.

Another object is to provide a device which will enable an operator tosecure together a bundle or bunch of stalked vegetables after havingbeen cut to the desired length while still gripping the bunch, thedevice being of such a simple construction that the operator may withhis one free hand transfer the binder member from the holding means tothe bunch with the least amount of effort and without disturbing therelation of the stalks to each other.

To this end my invention comprises an open ended tube of any suitablecross sectional configuration, of a size as to readily receive the endof a bunch'of stalks. This tube is preferably provided with alongitudinal groove, opening, projection, or rib which will space thebinders from a portion of the tube to enable the operator to readilygrasp a binder and pull the same from the tube to the bunch, when thelatter is inserted in the tube. Such a tube may be rigidly fixed to asuitable support or readily detachable therefrom, as circumstances mayrequire.

In the drawings I have illustrated several forms of devices embodying myinvention which have proved satisfactory, but I do not wish theinvention limited thereto, as various modifications and approximationswill occur to those skilled in this art without departing from thespirit of my invention.

However, in the forms illustrated,

Fig. 1 is a perspective of a preferred form of tube with bindersattached.

Figs. 2, 3, 4:, 5, 6 and 7 are sectional views of modifications ofsubstantially circular tubes.

Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are sectional views of angular sided tubes.

Fig. 13.is aside elevation of a tube attached to a vertical post asmight be used in the field. I i

Fig. 14;,is a-perspectiveyview of a'table used for the sorting ofstalked vegetables with the device of this invention attached thereto.

In the various embodimentsfillustrated in these drawings I provide anopen ended tube 1 which may be of any desired cross 1 sectionalconfiguration, but of a size sufficient to insert a bunch. of stalkswithout mutilating those at the outer periphery of the bundle. Figs. 1to- 7 inclusive illustrate various forms of substantially round openended tubes. g

If desired, the circular configuration may be modified to assume that ofa polyhedron, as in Figs. 8 to 12 inclusive.

It has been foundadvisable touse binders of a resilient or elasticnature, such as rubber bands, and a plurality of such binders is shownin place on the tube of Fig. 1. I have discovered that a great deal oftime may be saved, and the work expedited by providing means disposedlongitudinally of the tube to space the binders from a portion thereof.Such means in Figs. 1 and 12 take the form of a groove. Figs. 3, 9 and10 show a break or slit in the tube which will allow the operator toreadily grasp the individual binders and remove the same to the bunchofstalks inserted in the tube.

Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11 show tubes having one or more projections orprotuberances on the periphery thereof which space the binders from aportion of the tube.

The tube 1 is adapted to be mounted upon a suitable. support which mayconsist of a block 2 of a configuration and size tofit the end of thetube, said block being either attached to its own support or to otherapparatus. I

Fig. 13 shows a stake or the like to which the tube and block areattached and is adapted to be carried into the field where the stalksare cut.

Fig. 14 shows a sorting table with the bunching tube attached theretofor convenience. y I

It is preferable to have the tube detachably connected to block 2 aswith this construction, several spare tubes loaded with binders may beheld in reserve to replace the empty one on the block, which savesconsiderable time, as otherwise the operator must replenish thetube withbinders before he resumes bunching. However, if desirable, the tube maybe permanently attached to its block.

WVhat I claim is:

1. A device to facilitate the bundling of stalked vegetables, includinga tube having an open end, said tube be-ingrmounted upon a supportincluding a block, the cross sectional configuration of which is similarto that of the tube.

2 A device to facilitate the bundling of stalked vegetables, including atube having an open end, said tube being mounted upon a support andfrictionally engaging the same. M

3.- A device to facilitate the bundling of stalked vegetables,comprising arigid onepiece tube having an open end and a longi tudinalirregularity interrupting its circumferential continuity.

4:. A device to facilitate the bundling of stalked vegetables,comprising a rigid onepiece tube having an open end, said tube beingadapted to receive elastic binders in partial contact with itscircumferential periphery, and means to space said binders from a partof its circumferential periphery.

5. A device to facilitate the bundling of stalked vegetables, comprisinga tube having an open end, said tube having its edges separated along alongitudinal line, said edges being deformed.

In testimony whereof, I atfix my signature.

WILLQAM H. SlKlilA.

